Posted by Larry Hoover on October 17, 2003, at 15:21:12
In reply to Re: cortisol, testosterone » Larry Hoover, posted by tealady on October 12, 2003, at 22:28:40
> > They only do a.m. testing. Or twenty-four urinary analysis. Neither evaluates the diurnal cycling of cortisol, which is as important as total excreted, or morning concentrations.
> >
>
> Well the AM test can tell a bit. The urine test is usually only useful for cushings
> If you were diagnosed with chronic fatigue, did they do a morning cortisol?Yes. I was "within normal range".
> > > Also a good test for you would be 21 hydroxylase antibodies..but that is harder to get, not run by many labs and exxy (Larrian likes this one) I've got references you can show your doc if interested, ..mine aren't <g> I can't even find a lab in Oz that can run them. If you have these antibodies it can prove an adrenal problem..I guess you need a good specialist for this kinda stuffWell, I've been referred to a urologist, anyway. Definitely something going on, but not yet sure just what.
> > My present doctor, named Whatley, is known as "Wait and see Whatley" within the medical community. If something isn't clearly and overtly indicated, you ain't gettin' it.
>
> Can you take along studies and emphasize your symptoms to show that the referral is clearly indicated?Referrals are useless without someone to be referred to. Past referrals have been moot, as the doctors in question were not accepting new patients.
> > That's just what I tried, but it didn't work. My doctor would happily write the referrals. They simply came to nought.
>
> So he will write you referrals?Yes, but the outcome is moot.
> > Not without my doctor's support, no. Or some doctor's support, but you're not likely to get a referral to a specialist from an emergency room physician.
>
> That's not what I meant. I made some appointments where the specialists practise in the outpatient clinics of the major teaching hospitals ..THEN to get a referral from my doc to them after I make the appointment and try to give good reasons why this I need to see thuis particular specialist to my GP.I can't make an appointment first. Our system will not permit that approach. Only with a referral can you make an appointment.
> It just seems to work better this way, otherwise I can't get the referrals. You're right emergency rooms would not answer.They're the only other doctors I have a right to see, sans referral.
Now, as luck would have it, that might be changing for me. My physician just joined a new-fangled entity called a community care network. If I understand correctly, I may see different doctors when mine is unavailable, and the alternate will have access to my full medical history via file-sharing.
> > > BTW is intuition merely applied logic used against a background of experience? Sigh, that is disappointing if so.
> >
> > Intuition is an act of faith, IMHO. A sense of knowledge without needing to know why, or perhaps without any evidence at all. What you describe makes me think of the concept of an educated guess.
>
> Lar, that's a lovely definition of intuition.. re the educated guess..not much education or guessing neededGlad you liked it.
>> hmm..one would expect that to increase your cortisol level as it's known to have systemic effects, as you say. Do you take all the time, or only occasionally?
I used to take it all the time, but recently, I've not felt the need. Now, rather than increase cortisol, would it not have a suppressing action? Perhaps my reduction in the use of busedonide has become a part of my current problem?
> Did you read that Dr Derry thread on the thyroid forum..BTW if you do ever read it, click on "advanced view" at bottom of page to view 20 messages in one go
Could you give me the link again, please? I've had some problems getting my new computer configured, and it would be nice if I could start anew.
> > Everything is linked to everything else. Messing with hormones directly is kind of scary for me.
>
> Should be too...that's why I think testing and a good specialist, even if out of area..is the preferable way to goI'll have more info soon. I paid for some special bloodwork.
> > > Ok, all above is from my memory only
> > > Here's a post on the forum> It was 10mg/g(1%) and there was 50g in the tube..so I started with about 1/10 of a tube..50mg as I doubt you absorb it all.
I guess I can do that math.
> (in truth, I think the first day I probably used more than this..then cut back). You can judge what percentage of the tube you use..and there is no real reason to be that exact, as long as you taper off gradually.
I'm going to wait a little bit, and see what the specialist says.
> It actually works quite well as is not as "sudden" as hydrocortisone tablets..it seems to release slower in a smaller dose. I used it in the end to get a smoother dose....rubbed on my inner elbow and inner lower arm mainly...although sometimes outer lower arm and just above elbow.(actually this was where my muscles were really sore anywayar the time) I have heard there is very good absorption in the neck area..but it may be too much except for an occasional needed sudden desperation -type boost.
Funny, but I've never given much thought to topical steroids.....I've got a fair bit of them around the house. You can also buy 1% hydrocort creams.
> I think I ended up taking the tablets in the morning and lunchtime..and then cream about 4pm ish ..to last thru the night.
> Just tapered the cream down so only using a dab in the end...even after discontinued tablets, as a part of tapering off.
> I still use very occasionally and it helps..although I seem to survive on those Dutch black cat lollies (salty licorice)...if anything I would say I'm highish on cortisol now.Well, I don't like licorice myself, but I've got licorice root caps.
> > Thanks. You've convinced me to pay for the testosterone panel too.
> >
> Sorry for the rant Lar.Rant? Rant? Where?
> Just sounded like you'd given up in a previous post for some reason..and one has just got to just keep trying with all of this.
Not given up.....frustrated, though. I know enough to want to get mucking around, but I need a medical collaborator. No such luck, as of yet.
> "Your special, ya know" <g>
>
> JanThanks, sweetie.
L8r,
Lar
poster:Larry Hoover
thread:259730
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/alter/20031003/msgs/270276.html